Canada vs Australia: Which Is Better For Indian Students
Is Australia good for Indian students, or is Canada a better choice? Choosing a good country is based on a lot of factors, including the student’s personal preferences, top universities, post-study work visa, cost of living, and PR eligibility.
Consulting Australia study visa consultants or Canada study visa consultants can help you make an informed decision. If you are going to study abroad, it is more important to choose the right destination that gives you future opportunities to grow your career.
Immigration Pathways for Students in Canada and Australia
Education in Canada and Australia is the initial step towards long-term immigration for all Indian students. Both nations provide post-study work and PR routes, but the visa process and eligibility requirements are different. Consulting with Australian visa consultants and Canadian immigration consultants can help you better understand the process and requirements for studying in Australia.
Immigration Pathways For Students in Canada
Canada provides a formal immigration route or process to make this the most preferable country for Indian students who want to make a career in Canada or are looking for a Permanent Residency (PR).
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Students can apply for PGWP after completing an eligible program (minimum of 8 months).
- The duration of the work permit is determined by the course length (up to 3 years maximum).
Express Entry System
- Students can apply for PR through the Express Entry system once they have completed a year of work experience in Canada (through PGWP).
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program under Express Entry offers a streamlined PR process.
- Points are given according to factors like age, education, work history, and language proficiency.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Every Canadian province offers skilled graduates with work experience in PR through its PNP program.
- Some provinces offer unique pathways for international students, such as British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Studying in Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland) may increase your eligibility for permanent residence (PR).
- Requires an authorised offer of employment from a company in the Atlantic area.
Quebec Immigration Pathways
- Students can apply for permanent residence (PR) through the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) if they are studying in Quebec.
- Proficiency in French might be necessary for quicker processing.
Immigration Pathways For Students in Australia
Australia uses a points-based system to offer international students post-study employment options and PR opportunities. However, compared to Canada, PR is more competitive.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- Students can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) after they graduate.
- The degree level determines the duration:
- 2–4 years for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- Up to 6 years for PhD graduates
Skilled Migration Program (PR Pathway)
- Students in Australia are eligible for permanent residence through a points-based immigration system, which is determined by:
- English proficiency, age, education, and work experience
- Higher points increase the chances of obtaining permanent residency under the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189).
Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482 & 186)
- Students who secure a job in an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) can apply for PR.
- Some jobs require employer sponsorship for faster PR.
State Nomination Programs (Subclass 190 & 491)
- PR pathways are available in certain states, such as Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, under Subclass 190 (permanent visa) or Subclass 491 (regional visa).
Regional PR Opportunities
- Studying in a regional area grants longer post-study work rights and additional PR points.
- Students with the Subclass 491 visa can live and work in regional Australia, with the possibility of obtaining permanent residence after 3 years.
Canada vs Australia: Student Immigration Eligibility & Visa Requirements
Understanding the eligibility criteria is the second step to making a final decision. Unique eligibility requirements exist for student immigration for both nations, ranging from academic qualifications and language proficiency to financial evidence, as well as visa requirements such as Canada visa fees.
Criteria | Canada | Australia |
Academic Qualification | Minimum 12th pass for UG, bachelor’s degree for PG | Minimum 12th pass for UG, bachelor’s degree for PG |
English Language Test | IELTS (6.0+ for UG, 6.5+ for PG) or TOEFL/PTE | |
Student Visa Requirement | Apply for a Study Permit (SDS or Non-SDS) | Apply for a Subclass 500 Student Visa |
Financial Proof | Bank statement showing at least CAD 10,000 for living expenses | Proof of AUD 24,505 per year for living expenses |
Work While Studying | Up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time during breaks | Up to 48 hours/fortnight during term, full-time during breaks |
Post-Study Work Visa | Up to 3 years (depends on course & location) | 2–4 years (based on degree level & city) |
PR Opportunities | Express Entry, PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) | Points-Based Immigration System (PR after 3–4 years of work) |
Key Difference In Student Immigration: Canada vs Australia
- Canada has simple PR pathways via Express Entry and PNP, which makes it more suitable for long-term immigration.
- Australia has longer post-study work visas (up to 4 years), but PR is based on work experience and skilled occupation lists.
- Financial requirements are higher in Australia compared to Canada.
Both Canada and Australia provide good education and career prospects, but Canada has a faster PR process, whereas Australia provides a longer post-study work visa. The decision between the two countries depends on your long-term career and immigration plans.
Post-Study Work Opportunities in Canada & Australia for International Students
Canada vs Australia, which is better for Indian students, depends largely on work opportunities after graduation. Understanding post-study work opportunities in Canada and Australia is essential for international students, especially those looking for work experience and permanent residency (PR). Although post-study work visas are available in both nations, there are differences in their duration, eligibility, and PR pathways.
Canada: Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- International students are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon finishing a full-time program of a minimum of 8 months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- The work permit’s duration is a maximum of 3 years, depending on the course duration.
- There are no restrictions on employment, so graduates can work with any employer in any workplace in Canada.
- Students can obtain Permanent Residency (PR) via streams such as Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class—CEC) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
- Ideal for students who want immediate PR with secure job prospects.
Australia: Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- International students are eligible to apply for a temporary graduate visa (Subclass 485) that permits them to work in Australia once they complete their studies.
- The duration of the work permit varies between 2 and 6 years, based on the level of qualification.
- This visa is not employer-sponsored, and students are allowed to work for unlimited hours.
- PR pathways include points-based visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491) and employer-sponsored routes.
- Ideal for students seeking longer work permits and local work advantages.
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Popular Courses In Canada And Australia For Indian Students
Canada and Australia are the most preferred destinations for Indian students looking for quality education, improved career opportunities, and immigration. Below are the most popular courses, their time duration, and average tuition fees per year.
Popular Courses in Australia for Indian Students
Popular Courses | Duration | Avg. Fees (Per Year) |
Business Management | 1–2 years (Master’s) / 3–4 years (Bachelor’s) | AUD 20,000–45,000 |
Computer Science & IT | 2–4 years | AUD 25,000–50,000 |
Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, etc.) | 3–4 years | AUD 30,000–60,000 |
Healthcare & Nursing | 2–4 years | AUD 25,000–45,000 |
Hospitality & Tourism Management | 1–3 years | AUD 18,000–40,000 |
Data Science & AI | 1–2 years | AUD 25,000–50,000 |
Media & Communication | 1–4 years | AUD 20,000–40,000 |
Accounting & Finance | 1–4 years | AUD 25,000–50,000 |
Law (LLM, JD, etc.) | 1–4 years | AUD 35,000–70,000 |
Medicine & MBBS | 4–6 years | AUD 60,000–90,000 |
Popular Courses in Canada for Indian Students
Popular Courses | Duration | Avg. Fees (Per Year) |
Business Management | 1–2 years (PG Diploma) / 4 years (Bachelor’s) | CAD 15,000–40,000 |
Computer Science & IT | 2–4 years | CAD 20,000–50,000 |
Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, etc.) | 2–4 years | CAD 25,000–55,000 |
Healthcare & Nursing | 2–4 years | CAD 18,000–40,000 |
Hospitality & Tourism Management | 1–3 years | CAD 15,000–35,000 |
Data Science & AI | 1–2 years | CAD 20,000–45,000 |
Media & Communication | 1–4 years | CAD 15,000–35,000 |
Accounting & Finance | 1–4 years | CAD 20,000–45,000 |
Law (LLM, JD, etc.) | 1–4 years | CAD 30,000–60,000 |
Medicine & MBBS | 4–6 years | CAD 50,000–80,000 |
Top Scholarships for International Students in Canada & Australia
Studying abroad is probably too costly for students, but Canada and Australia both have some scholarships that international students can apply for to reduce financial expenses. Some of the best scholarship programs in these two countries are listed below.
Scholarships for International Students in Canada
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
- Offered to outstanding doctoral students.
- Amount: CAD 50,000 per year for up to 3 years.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
- Covers tuition, books, and living expenses.
- Awarded to exceptional undergraduate students.
- Includes International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) and Outstanding International Student Award (OIS).
- Provides partial to full tuition coverage.
- For master’s and PhD students in Ontario.
- Amount: CAD 10,000–15,000 per year.
- Available for students from ASEAN countries pursuing short-term studies or research.
Scholarships for International Students in Australia
- Fully funded by the Australian Government for students from developing countries.
- Covers tuition, travel, and living expenses.
- Encourages students to study in regional areas.
- Provides up to AUD 15,000 per year.
- Offers full or partial tuition coverage for high-achieving students.
- Covers up to AUD 10,000 towards tuition fees.
- Covers 50% of tuition fees for top-performing students.
Canada vs Australia: Education & Living Costs
The cost of living in Australia vs Canada also differs based on the city, lifestyle, and personal spending. The following is a comprehensive comparison of major expenses for international students.
Tuition Fees
Level Of Study | Canada (Per Year) | Australia (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|
Undergraduate | CAD 15,000 – 35,000 | AUD 20,000 – 45,000 |
Postgraduate (Master’s) | CAD 18,000 – 50,000 | AUD 22,000 – 50,000 |
PhD | CAD 7,000 – 20,000 | AUD 18,000 – 42,000 |
Accommodation
Type | Canada (Per Month) | Australia (Per Month) |
On-campus | CAD 800 – 2,500 | AUD 1,000 – 2,800 |
Shared apartment | CAD 600 – 1,500 | AUD 800 – 2,000 |
Private rental | CAD 1,000 – 3,000 | AUD 1,200 – 3,500 |
Living Expenses
Expenses | Canada (Per Month) | Australia (Per Month) |
Food & Groceries | CAD 300 – 600 | AUD 400 – 800 |
Transport | CAD 80 – 150 (student pass available) | AUD 120 – 220 (student discounts in some states) |
Internet & Utilities | CAD 100 – 200 | AUD 150 – 250 |
Health Insurance | CAD 600 – 900 per year | AUD 600 – 1,000 per year |
Part-Time & Minimum Wage
Factor | Canada | Australia |
Work Hours (Student Visa) | Up to 20 hours/week | Up to 24 hours/week |
Minimum Wage | CAD 15 – 17 per hour | AUD 23 – 25 per hour |
Cost of Living: City-Wise Comparison
City | Canada (Per Month) | Australia (Per Month) |
Toronto | CAD 2,500 – 4,000 | – |
Vancouver | CAD 2,500 – 3,800 | – |
Sydney | – | AUD 3,500 – 5,000 |
Melbourne | – | AUD 3,000 – 4,500 |
Pros and Cons of Studying in Canada vs Australia
Canada: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Low-cost education compared to Australia.
- Simpler PR opportunities via Express Entry & PNP streams.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for work up to 3 years.
- Friendly and secure environment with excellent quality of life.
- Excellent employment opportunities in technology, healthcare, and engineering.
Cons:
- Harsh weather conditions in most areas.
- Limited part-time job prospects in smaller cities.
- Increased competition for PR owing to increased immigration demand.
Australia: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Increased wages (minimum AUD 23+/hour) for part-time work.
- It has a warm climate with great landscapes and beaches.
- Extended post-study work visas (up to 6 years for PhD students).
- Multicultural cities with a thriving student population.
- Increased employment opportunities in healthcare, IT, and construction.
Cons:
- Increased tuition fees and living expenses.
- More stringent PR process with a points-based immigration system.
- Costly healthcare (OSHC is compulsory).
Eduprofound: Your Gateway to a Bright Future in Canada & Australia
EduProfound offers professional advice and complete support to help Indian students achieve their goals of studying abroad in Canada or Australia. From choosing a university and understanding their education system to applying for a visa, our skilled staff guarantees a seamless process catered to your objectives. We help students find the best scholarships in Canada and Australia, easing financial strains and providing clear information about Canada vs Australia cost of living and tuition fees.
Our immigration and PR support simplifies pathways for students exploring Australia or Canada, which is better for immigration, ensuring a well-informed decision. Our immigration and PR assistance makes it easier for students to travel to Canada or Australia, which is better for immigration and guarantees that they make an informed choice. Our assistance with housing, part-time employment, and career planning also helps Indian students in Canada and Australia feel at home.
Eduprofound gives you a reliable partner who is dedicated to your success in studying abroad.
Conclusion
Choosing between Canada and Australia for higher education depends on several factors. These include the cost of living in each country, job opportunities after graduation, and pathways to permanent residency. Australia offers longer post-study work visas and higher wages for part-time jobs, while Canada offers simpler immigration options through Express Entry and PNP. The living expenses for Indian students in Australia may be higher, but the warm climate and diverse job market make it appealing. On the other hand, whether Canada or Australia is better for Indian students ultimately comes down to personal preferences, financial planning, and long-term career objectives. Both countries provide excellent options, whether you’re looking for low-cost tuition, promising job prospects, or easy PR paths.
